She Chose the Wrong Hero

The next morning, the snow had stopped falling.

The sky was still gray, but the storm had passed. A weak light filtered through the clouds, casting soft shadows across the frozen ground.

Elira stood at the edge of the fortress wall, looking out over the white landscape. Everything was quiet. Still.

But inside her, the silence was breaking.

She heard footsteps behind her.

Aeren joined her, his cloak pulled tight. He didn't say anything at first. Just stood beside her, looking at the same sky.

"We need to leave soon," he said.

She nodded. "I know."

"We'll head back to the capital. Tell the king. Warn the Order."

"They won't believe us."

"They might," Aeren said. "If you're the one who speaks."

Elira glanced at him. "Why me?"

"Because you're the one the people trust. Not Kael. Not anymore."

She didn't answer right away.

It was strange. In the old timeline, Kael had been the shining hero. People had followed him without question. But now… things had changed. Elira had changed.

"Do you think Kael will come with us?" she asked.

Aeren's jaw tightened. "I don't know. I don't trust him."

"But he hasn't hurt us."

"Not yet."

Elira turned back toward the fortress. "He's still fighting the same enemy, Aeren. Just… in his own way."

"Or he's already lost to it," Aeren said.

They walked down to the courtyard. Soldiers were packing supplies. Horses were being prepared. Kael stood near the main gate, speaking with his captain.

When he saw Elira and Aeren, he walked over.

"I'll ride with you," Kael said.

Aeren frowned. "You're leaving your own fortress?"

Kael nodded. "There's nothing here worth guarding anymore. If the door opens, a few soldiers won't stop it. But if I can help stop it before that happens… then I will."

Elira watched him closely.

He still looked like the Kael she remembered—golden hair, tall, strong. But something inside him was different now. Not just darker. Quieter.

She believed he meant what he said.

But that didn't mean she trusted him completely.

"Fine," Aeren said. "But you ride behind us."

Kael gave a small smile. "Of course."

They left just before noon.

The road ahead was long and frozen. But the sun had started to break through the clouds. It lit the snow in silver and gold as they rode.

Elira looked back once.

The fortress stood still and silent behind them. The sealed door was deep below it, hidden in the dark.

But she could still feel it.

A whisper, far away, like a breath through ice.

I see you.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

Not today, she thought.

Not yet.